That depends on how much you need and how much of your disposable income can be channeled in that direction.

Term insurance is generally the least expensive, but has a limited benefit period, usually expressed as 5, 10, or 20 years. Many term plans are renewable and the price usually increases at renewal.

Whole life products generally provide coverage that lasts for the whole of life. Premiums are guaranteed for life and the cost is higher than term. Whole life builds a cash value, which may be an important advantage.

There are other forms of insurance and combinations of term and whole life that create a very nice “middle ground” approach to price and benefits.